JAMMU, April 2 -- Following allegations of nepotism in the selection of under 14 cricket team of Jammu and Kashmir, the government has banned selectors found involved in unethical conduct for a period of three years, stated a government document tabled in the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly here on Wednesday. "Following a probe and upon scrutiny of both selection lists, certain shortcomings were observed in the selection process. Accordingly, disciplinary action was taken, and the concerned selectors were banned from participating in any selection process for a period of three years," stated sports minister Satish Sharma in a written reply tabled in the House. Following allegations of regional discrimination against cricketers from Jammu, the Jammu and Kashmir government had ordered a probe into the selection of the Under-14 cricket team for the National School Games in January this year. The Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), J&K, had constituted a committee to scrutinise records and verify whether the team selection was carried out in accordance with the prescribed norms. "Yes, a separate enquiry committee constituted vide Order No. DG-YSS/Acty/17971- 78 dated 04.01.2026. The committee scrutinised all score sheets and relevant records and, based on a detailed analysis of the available score sheets, recommended that 48 cricketers be called for selection trial matches at Jammu," stated the minister's reply. These comprised players from the previous list and 26 newly included players who were selected for the trials on the basis of their performance as reflected in the score sheets. "The committee further recommended calling 48 players for fresh trials as certain critical aspects- such as match temperament, fielding skills, handling of pressure, and other performance- related factors-can be effectively assessed only during live matches," he added. Accordingly, fresh selection trial matches were conducted by a duly constituted panel of departmental experts. Upon completion of the selection process, a team comprising 16 players in the U/14 age category was finalized for participation in the 69th National School Games. "Furthermore, bone density tests of all 48 players were conducted at Government Medical College, Jammu. All players were found to be under 14 years of age, except one. The player who did not meet the prescribed criteria was neither part of the previous list nor included among the newly selected candidates," stated Sharma. "With regard to the proposed action against the officials of the earlier selection committee, it is submitted that, upon scrutiny of both selection lists, certain shortcomings were observed in the selection process. Accordingly, disciplinary action was taken, and the concerned selectors were banned from participating in any selection process for a period of three years," he informed the House. Notably, the team subsequently secured silver medal in the 69th National School Games held in Rajasthan....